TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA THE Hamad Medical Corporation has introduced patient pathway coordinators (PPC), who will join the team of health professionals working in cancer care.

The PPCs will play a crucial role in coordinating a cancer patient’s care. They will work with the cancer patient on every step of the journey, right from the point of diagnosis, with the goal of ensuring seamless care pathway.

The introduction of these new roles is a direct outcome of Hamad Medical Corporation’s implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, launched by Her Highness Sheikha Moza in April 2011.

Since the launch of the strategy, HMC has been working to recruit and train PPCs to start their work in providing additional support for cancer patients in the country.

Jennifer Jones, project manager for HMC’s Transforming Cancer Services team said, “HMC is very proud of the introduction of patient pathway coordinators.

The importance of the role of the PPC was described in the National Cancer Strategy and it is very exciting to see the idea come to life. The strategy talked about having more health care professionals interacting with patients at the right time and it recommended this new role as crucial in the delivery of excellent and personalised cancer services.

“It is crucial that cancer care is patient centered at all times and takes into consideration a patient’s psycho-social needs as well as their medical needs.

The PPC role is seen as being at the heart of making this a reality.” A total of 7 PPCs have been recruited and have graduated from their specialist internationally– led training course.

They will be starting working with patients soon, adding valuable support to cancer patients.

There will be further recruitment for these unique roles this year.